FDA ban on BPA in baby bottles a welcome change

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EUGENE, Ore. - The selection of baby and children's products in stores almost seems endless.

"Most of it makes you realize as a consumer, it's your job to do the research because the manufacturers and the creators aren't including the warnings on a lot of the things," said mother Minette Roberts.

Merchants like Shannon Arm at Bambini have tried to help mothers like Roberts make sure the products she uses are safe.

"I've always had products without BPA and PVC," Arm said. "You can come in and there is no guess work and you know that everything is healthy."

Now the FDA has joined the chorus, announcing Tuesday that the chemical bisphenol-A - also known as BPA - will no longer be allwed in baby bottles and sippy cups because of potential dangers to children.

Recent studies have linked BPA to behavorial problems in young children. Some researchers suggest ingesting the chemical - also found in the plastic lining in canned food and in plastic water bottles - can interfere with reproductive and nervous system development in animals, although the FDA said those findings can't yet be applied to humans.

Arm is glad to see the FDA's action on the topic but thinks it doesn't go far enough.

"I'm a little upset that it's just on sippy cups and bottles," she said. "I think it needs to be throughout on everything."

Safe alternatives are already on the market, including stainless steel baby bottles.

"It's not going to leach any chemicals," Arm said. "It won't contain BPA or any of those harsh things."

Many brands now label their products to show they are free from chemical as selling points.